Rachel’s journey began when she graduated from Marian University in communications, public relations, and graphic design. Rachel was unsure of the trajectory of her life post-college, but she knew she was passionate about volunteering.

Then Rachel found AmeriCorps VISTA, a program that aligned perfectly with Rachel’s philosophy of living. “Life is not about making a lot of money,” Rachel says. “It's about using your talents and gifts to help others.”

Rachel began her service with Habitat for Humanity Lakeside in August 2019 as the Repairs and Veterans AmeriCorps VISTA. In this role, she worked to raise funds to complete home repairs and create more resources for veterans in the Sheboygan area.

Although Rachel was an active VISTA, she still felt like she could do more for her community. Then she was invited to spend a weekend in Oconto County volunteering with Team Rubicon and AmeriCorps on a disaster response project. She had the chance to hear from veterans who volunteer with Team Rubicon to continue to give back to their communities after their military service. The experience of working alongside these dedicated volunteers doing disaster response inspired her. When she returned home, Rachel enlisted in the U.S Army National Guard.

While her VISTA year was cut short by COVID-19, Habitat Lakeside development director Emily Fread says that while Rachel was at HFH Lakeside she “was passionate and committed to helping veterans.” Rachel says that she is extremely grateful for her experience with AmeriCorps VISTA, as it gave her a clear understanding of how she wants to serve.

Currently, Rachel is anxiously awaiting the start of her basic training, which begins September 2020. In the meantime, Rachel has been working as a clerk at the local Kwik Trip, increasing her hours from part-time to full-time in order to keep busy and continue serving her community as a front line worker.

Thank you, Rachel. We wish you the very best as you begin your service in the US Army Guard!